both in every Individual and as it is embodied in the respective Societies of Men. 3. We may suppose he represented to them the Goodness and obligingness of that Lord and Master to whom they had devoted themselves How well he had deserved of them what transcendent and unparallel'd Love he had shewed to them in giving himself to and for them and redeeming of them with his most precious Blood And how ready he was still at all times to stand by them for their Help and Assistance in whatsoever he should call them to 4. It is not unlikely but he might bring into their View the great Cloud of Witnesses encompassing of them round about The many good Examples and Presidents both under the Old and New Testament whom they were herein to follow And then Lastly We may be sure he put them in mind of the exceeding and incomparable Recompence of Reward which would be certainly theirs if by patient Continuance in well-doing they look'd and waited for it A Reward of Eternal Life and Happiness and Glory wherewith neither the good nor the evil things of this World which are but for a moment are worthy to be weighed Concluding to a like purpose as we find St. Paul his Brother and Companion in that Work doth to the Corinthians 1 Cor. 15. ult And I cannot conclude better than so Therefore my Beloved Brethren be ye stedfast unmoveable always abounding in the Work of the Lord forasmuch as you know that your Labor is not in vain in the Lord. Lord of all Power and Might who art the Author and Giver of all good things graft in our Hearts the Love of thy Name Increase in us true Religion nourish us with all Goodness and of thy great Mercy keep us in the same through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Lord we beseech thee grant thy People Grace to withstand the Temptations of the World the Flesh and the Devil and with pure Hearts and Minds to follow thee the only God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen O God Forasmuch as without thee we are notable to please thee mercifully grant that thy Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our Hearts through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen O God who knowest us to be set in the midst of so many and great Dangers that by reason of the Frailty of our Nature we cannot always stand upright grant to us such Strength and Protection as may support us in all Dangers and carry us through all Temptations through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen O God who hast prepared for them that love thee such good things as pass man's Understanding pour into our Hearts such Love towards thee that we loving thee above all things may obtain thy Promises which exceed all that we can desire through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen THE END A TABLE OF THE CHIEF CONTENTS OF the Scope and Sence of Hebr. 6.2 page 1. Our Church-Catechism most agreeable to the Apostolical p. 5. Of the Names whereby Confirmation is known and call'd viz. Imposition or laying on of Hands 7. Perfection 8. Chrism or Unction 9. Consigning or Sealing 10. Confirmation 11. Obligation 12. 2 Tim. 2.19 Well accommodated by Dr. Hammond to this matter ibid. Most of the precedent Names found in 2 Cor. 1.21 22. 14. Other Scripture Paterns and Grounds for it ib. Figur'd out and pointed to us in the visible Descent of the Holy Spirit 1. On our Blessed Saviour in the Form of a Dove St. Matthew 3. ib. 2. On the Apostles afterwards at Pentecost Acts 2. ibid. Recommended by Christ himself St. John 3.5 as Bishop Taylor with St. Cyprian expounded that Text 15. Vndoubtedly practiced by the Apostles St. Peter and John Confirming the Samaritans Baptized by Philip the Deacon Acts 8. St. Paul the Ephesians Acts 19. 16. These Instances so understood and appeal'd unto by St. Cyprian 17. St. Augustin 19. St. Hierom ibid. As will as by the Church of England 20. Some other Scripture Instances glanced at Acts 11.14 15. Chapters 21. This Apostolical Practice both a Light unto and farther Illustrated by Hebr. 6.2 expounded accordingly by the Ancient Fathers ib. The Additional Authority of the Council of Eliberis and Tertullian 22. The same allowed by the Generallity of Modern Expositors also ibid. Calvinists as Calvin 23 Beza 25. Piscator 26. Doctores Lugdun 27. Lutherans Chemnitius 28. Waldenses Confess Apolog. 30. Bohemian Brethren Comenius Ratio Disciplin c. 32 With some of Name among our selves Mr. Hanmer and Mr. Baxter 34. Dr. William Gouge ib. Assembl Annotations 35. Of the Ceremony of Imposition of Hands 37. Mr. Calvin 's Idle Question about it answered from his more calm and considering self 39. The Blessing of Ministers under the Gospel no less Authoritative and Prolifique than under the Law 41 Of the peculiar Minister of Confirmation the Bishop whence it is called Bishopping 42. So in the first Patterns and so confessedly in the Vsage of the Ancient Church ib. Mr. Bucer 's Reason for it ib. Their uncharitable Rashness condemn'd who impute it to the Bishop's Pride 44. What Supplemental Provision seemeth desirable upon some Necessities ibid. Of the Qualification of Persons to be confirmed viz. Baptism and Prae-instruction in the Church-Catechism at Years of Discretion 45. The Preface read to that purpose at Confirmation 46. The Question then also put by the Bishop and answered by all the Candidates 47. Aquinas and Contarenus of another mind but dislik'd by the later Romanists themselves 48. The Benefit of this Sacred Right depends much upon a competent Growth of Age and Vnderstanding ibid. No prejudice by deferring it till then by our Churches Declaration ibid. A serious Exhortation to all that come on this Errand 49. Of the great Importance and Vsefulness of this whole Transaction in five particulars 50. Melchiades his Epistle to the Bishops of Spain in Vindication of it 54. The same more largely from Eusebius Emissenus or Eucherius Lugdun Homilie on Pentecost 55. A Summary of the Graces and Blessings consequent out of Bishop Taylor 56. A Concluding Admonition to all persons concern'd not to disgrace so well grounded Principles by an unsuitable Practice enforced from Mr. Hooker 58. Dr. Jackson Dr. Hammond and Dr. Henchman 59. Contents of the Appendix T C's Objections against Confirmation 61. Mr. Hooker's Answer to the same 62. A Translation of some admirable Passages out of Dr. Hammond De Confirmatione 65. An useful Description of Confirmation from all the Premisses 68. Contents of the Sermon Annexed Of the First Plantation of the Church of Antioch 72. St. Barnabas sent thither from Jerusalem to Confirm ibid. How he was affected with Joy at the sight of their hopeful Beginnings 73. How he endeavor'd to encourage and hearten them to an answerable Perseverance ibid. Of coming and cleaving unto Christ in the Scripture Sence 76. Of that purpose of Heart wherewith it is to be done 82. Including a Personal Resolution of Soul ibid. Sincere Resolution of Soul 87. Deliberate Resolution of Soul 90. Free Resolution of Soul 95. Firm Resolution of Soul 98. Zealo us Resolution of soul. 100. Humble Resolution of Soul 101. General Motive and Exhortations to inforce this Exhortation 103. FINIS
10. they were both p. 91. l. 15. to be Christians p. 92. l. 17. plausible p. 94. l. 5. panes p. 102. l. 15. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Contents p. 1. l. ult obsignation p. 2. l. 24. as well p. ult l. penult general motives dele and exhortations A Discourse of CONFIRMATION DELIVERED At the Primary Visitation of the Right Reverend Father in God THOMAS L. Bishop of Lincoln Held at S. Martins Leicester Sept. 22. 1679. And since enlarged With a short Appendix thereunto Insolentissimae insaniae est existimare non rectè fieri quod ab universa Ecclesia fit D. Aug. ep 118. OF Episcopal Confirmation Heb. 6.2 Of the Doctrine of Baptisms and of Laying on of Hands THE Apostle in the foregoing verseâ— mentions the Principles of the Doctrine of Christ The Margin hath it from the Greek the Word of the beginning of Christ or by an easie transposition which our Translation follows the beginning of the Doctrine of Christ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Camerarius glosseth it Sermonem qui in Christo rudes inchoat as Erasmus and Beza render it the instruction which initiates novices or beginners in Christ The same which in the precedent chapter he calls the first principles of the Oracles of God Ch. 5.12 Ch. 6.1 and here again by a known Figure the foundation that is the rudiments of Christianity Haec omnia pertinere ad initia Neophytorum satis apertéque Scriptura testatur D. Aug. de fide operibus c. 11. or the Christians A B C the chief elements whereof he thus enumerates Of repentance from dead works and of faith towards God the Doctrine of Baptisms and of Laying on of Hands and of the Resurrection of the dead and of Eternal Judgment I will not now trouble you with the several Opinions among Expositors about the distinct way of reckoning of them up If we take them as they lie most obvious to our view B. Taylors Discourse of Confirmat p. 45. then as a right reverend and learned Author speak Here are six fundamental points of S. Pauls Catechism which he laid as the foundation or the beginning of the Institution of the Christian Church and amongst these Imposition of Hands which the Apostles used in confirming the Baptized * And that here it must be so understood he proves distinctly p. 46 47 48. and invocating the Holy Ghost upon them is reckoned as a part of the foundation And therefore they who deny it saith he dig up foundations And when S. Paul calls it the Doctrine of the Laying on of Hands it does not onely appear to be a lasting Ministry because no part of the Christian Doctrine can be changed or abolished but hence also it appears to be of Divine Institution For if it were not S. Paul had been guilty of that which our Blessed Saviour reproves in the Scribes and Pharisees and should have taught for Doctrines the commands of men which because it cannot be supposed it must needs follow that this Doctrine of Imposition of Hands or Confirmation is Apostolical and Divine But upon a stricter examination of the words the chief stress of all seems unto me I confess to be laid upon the two formost heads wherein S. Paul elsewhere summs up the whole counsel of God * Acts 20.21 and that agrees well enough with his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2 Tim. 1.13 namely Repentance from dead works and faith towards God which certainly includes fidelity and obedience to his commands as well as belief of the Creed whereof the two concluding branches are those last specified the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment which the same Apostle in like manner particularly refers to when he professeth his hope Godwards before the Governour of Caesarea Acts 24.15 And then the words of the Text there being no particles of connexion between them may fitly enough be read by way of apposition hereunto Vide Calv. in loc as in a Parenthesis the Doctrine of Baptisms and of Laying on of Hands not so much to intend the recital of two other different heads of Christian Doctrine as the time when account was given and taken of this Catechism viz. at Baptism which in their first Ages was commonly dispensed to the Adult and at Confirmation after Baptism by the Imposition or Laying on of Hands q.d. The foundation of Repentance from dead works and Faith towards God being the Christian Doctrine an account whereof was given and taken at Baptism and the Laying on of Hands The Doctrine delivered and professed at Baptism and the Laying on of Hands Mr. W. Par. Annot. â—â—â—ford in loc 1675. as a late worthy Paraphrast hath it Or as he speaks more at large The principles of Religion whereof publick confession was made at Baptism by Converts and at the times of Imposition of Hands by those that had received Baptism in their Infancy First we have here Baptism the door or entrance of Christianity called Baptisms 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the plural number perhaps because many were baptized at once or put for the singular Lib. de side operibus c. 11. as chap. 9.23 so S. Augustine reads it Lavacri Doctrinae or else with reference to the threefold mersion then made use of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 one Baptism though in this one were anciently used many mersions or washings * The Reference of Aquinaes and others to a Triplex Baptismus Fluminis Flaminis Sanguinis seems too much strained And so also the Duplex Baptismus Joannis Christi which some here discourse of And then Imposition of hands for Confirmation but previous thereunto Instruction in the first elements or principles of Christian Doctrine by a plain and practical Catechism such as that which is appointed by our Church to be learned by every one before they be brought to be confirmed by the Bishop For whatever low and contemptible thoughts some may have of our Church Catechism it is certainly most agreeable to the Apostolical patern here set before us viz. the foundation of Repentance from dead works and Faith towards God that is the summ of our Engagements as we are Christians or the vow of our Christianity to forsake the Devil the World and the Flesh to believe all the Articles of the Christian Faith among which are the Resurrection of the dead and Eternal Judgment and to keep God's holy Will and Commandments and walk in the same all the days of our Life shewing thus all good fidelity towards that God in whom we believe This is nothing else you see but a Paraphrase upon Repentance from dead works and Faith towards God and so it appears to have been design'd by the Church You may observe it manifestly in the Questions and Answers touching Baptism Q. What is required of persons to be Baptized A. Repentance whereby they forsake sin and Faith whereby they stedfastly believe the Promises made to them in that Sacrament Q. Why then are Infants
of those without the Church at the appointed days of Baptism but from the Children of all the Faithful baptized in their Infancy when hands were laid upon them Among which Articles two here are expresly reckoned up namely the Resurrection of the Flesh and Eternal Judgment Thus Beza This Doctrine Schol. Observ in loc saith Piscator viz. of Repentance from dead works and Faith towards God was wont to be delivered to the Catechumens before they were baptized or confirmed in the Christian Faith by the Imposition of hands When Children have been taught the Doctrine of Repentance and Faith they are to make profession thereof before the Church and to be confirmed by the Imposition of hands Although we think saith he th s Imposition of hands to be matter of free observance as having indeed Apostolical example but not a Precept from Christ Where we see he grants the Example roundly enough to be Apostolical however he would have it left free to conform unto or to neglect it Again saith he At the first sight there seem to be six Heads of Doctrine distinctly reckon'd up but if one shall more accurately weigh them they may be referr'd to four or to three For the third and fourth viz. of Baptism and Imposition of Hands seem not here to be propounded as peculiar Heads of Doctrine but put among the rest to declare the Circumstance of Time wherein these Fundamentals were wont to be propounded unto Beginners namely at that time when the Adult were admitted unto Baptism and also when those who were Baptized in their Infancy and afterwards instructed in their Childhood were wont by the Church to be confirmed in the Christian Faith by the Imposition of Hands Thus Piscator Then the Leiden Divines in their Synopsis purioris Theologiae Dis 47. tell us to the same purpose that It is probable this Doctrine of Imposition of Hands is referr'd to that care of the Ancient Church whereby Children instructed in Catechetical Doctrine before they were admitted to partake of the Lord's Supper were presented to the Church to answer concerning the Faith and commended by Prayers unto God the Rite of Imposition of Hands being added thereunto which was a Gesture of those that pray and bless even from the time of the Patriarchs Next For the Lutheran Churches none can speak better than their famous Chemnitius whom Bellarmine so far honors as to acknowledge that he doth of all others most accurately describe the Order of Lutheran Confirmation Our Divines saith he have often shewn Exam. Concil Trident. part 2 de Confirm that the Rite of Confirmation unprofitable superstitious and Anti-scriptural Traditions being once remov'd from it might be used piously Id. Loc. Theolog. part 3. de num Saâ—rament and to the Edification of the Church according to the consent of Scripture after this manner viz. That those who have been baptized in their Infancy for such now is the State of the Church when come to years of Discretion should be diligently instructed in a certain and plain Catechism of the Doctrine of the Church and when they seem competently to have understood the Principles of it should afterwards be presented to the Bishop and Church and there the Child that was baptized in his Infancy should 1. Be admonished in a short and plain manner concerning his Baptism viz. with what how why and into what he was Baptized What the whole Trinity in that Baptism conferr'd upon him and Sealed to him namely the Covenant of Peace and Grace and how there was then made an Abrenunciatiation of Satan a Profession of Faith and Promise of Obedience 2. The Child himself should before the Church make a proper or personal and publick Confession of this Doctrine and Faith 3. He should be question'd about the chief Heads of Christian Religion and where he less understands any thing be more rightly inform'd 4. He should be put in mind and declare by this Profession how he differs from all Heathen Heretical Fanatick and profane Opinions 5. There should be added a grave and serious Exhortation out of the Word of God that he would persevere and by going forwards be farther confirmed in the Covenant of Baptism and that Doctrine and Faith And then 6. Publick Prayer should be made for those Children that God by his Holy Spirit would vouchsafe to govern preserve and confirm them in this Profession Whereunto without Superstition may be added Imposition of Hands Nor would that Prayer be vain ☞ For it leans upon the Promises concerning the Gift of Perseverance and Grace of Confirmation Such a Rite of Confirmation saith he would contribute very much Profit to the Education of Youth and of the whole Church For it would be agreable both unto Scripture and purer Antiquity Thus Chemnitius But before either Calvin or Luther there was one famous Waldo of whom the Waldenses are named who did more early dissent from the Corruption of the Roman Church And they in their Confession exhibited to Vladislaus King of Hungary 1504. speak thus remarkably of this Rite of Confirmation We do profess with a Faith taken out of the Divine Scriptures Confess Waldens de Confirm that in the Times of the Apostles this was observed whoever being come to the Ripeness of Years had not received the promised Gifts of the Holy Ghost received them afterwards by Prayer and Imposition of Hands for the Confirmation of Faith The same we think also of Infants Whosoever being baptized hath come over to the true Faith which he resolves to imitate indeed amidst Adversities and Contumelies in that manner that a new Birth and Life of Graces may seem discovered in his Spirit or Temper Such an one ought to to be brought and set before the Bishop or Priest where being questioned of the Truth of Faith and the Divine Commands and also his own good Will Setled Intention and Works of Truth if he shall witness by his Confession that all these things are so He is to be confirmed in the Hope of Truth already attained and farthermore to be holpen by the Churches Prayers that an Increase of the Gifts of the Holy Ghost may accrue unto him for the Establishment and Warfare of Faith Lastly by Imposition of Hands to confirm the Promises of God and the Truth in the Power of the Name of the Father and of his Word and of the Holy Spirit let him be joyn'd to the Churches Communion And again Apolog. part 4. de Baptism puerorum in their Apology to the Marquess of Brandenburgh 1532. speaking of Children that have been Baptized they add When they shall have come to Years of Discretion and now understand the Account of their Faith and begin to love Christ in good earnest we bring them to the Profession of these things even whatsoever they have attained to by the help of their Parents or Godfathers or by the Ministry of the Church that they may themselves of their own accord and most freely
of the Principles of Christian Religion as may render them capable of it Aquinas indeed determines that the Sacrament of Confirmation as he calls it ought to be exhibited in common to all that are baptized Part 3. Q. 72. Artic. 8. and at all times The bodily Age saith he doth not prejudice the Soul and even Children dying confirmed obtain the greater Glory as here they do the greater Grace L. de Sacram And Contarenus grounds the Custom of giving it to Infants upon his Authority But grave men among themselves mislike this Practice Consult ad Artic. 9. I see saith Cassander that it doth not displease good men of both sides that the use of it be delay'd till some Growth of Age And so the Roman Catechism now requires The truth is the Vtility and Benefit of this Sacred Institution exacts all this Some competent Growth and Understanding in the Party confirmed Heed and Diligence in his Prae-instruction and all Gravity and Seriousness in the whole Administration And to the intent that no man should think that any Detriment should come to Children by deferring their Confirmation unto years of Discretion our Church hath declared it for a Truth certain by God's Word That Children being baptized have all things necessary for their Salvation and dying before they commit actual Sin are undoubtedly saved Let me therefore beseech those who shall come at any time upon this Holy Errand to ponder well and consider with themselves of what weight and moment the matter is they are going about what they are obliged to do and what the Blessing is they hope to receive thereupon Their Business in short is to declare that they are not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ but glory in his Cross to profess themselves upon choice and in good earnest Christians the resolved Disciples Servants and Souldiers of Jesus Christ to devote themselves entirely to his Faith and Service to take the solemn Vow and Promise made formerly in their Names by their Sureties upon themselves that is to vow Repentance from dead Works and Faith towards God to renounce the Devil the World and the Flesh and give up themselves to the Belief and Obedience of the Gospel This is the Work they come about and then their Reward is so doing to participate in the Prayers of the Church and the Blessing of the Bishop to be promoted to an higher Form in the School of Christ among an higher Rank of Professors and admitted to all the Priviledges af Adult and Compleat Christians Now therefore in the last place I need not to say much more concerning the Importance and Vsefulness of this whole Action which all along speaks for it self and whereof accordingly I have suggested a competent Account already in treating of the parts of it The fewer words therefore shall here suffice and I will little more than name the particulars which otherwise I should have enlarged upon 1. This would utterly enervate the Anabaptists Plea for Re-baptizing those who were before baptized in their Infancy did they every one at their Confirmation thus explicitely take upon themselves what was then promised and undertaken in their Name and so give up themselves afresh to God and his Church And it is you know part of the Charge which we leave with God-fathers and God-mothers at the Font Office of Public Baptism to bring them when prepared unto the Bishop thus to do Nor is this as some have surmized any Imputation to their Baptism as imperfect in it self but a Supply only to the Imperfection of their State who were Baptized in their Infancy with a legitimate and true Baptism by the solemn renewing of the Answer or Stipulation of a good Conscience towards God which ought frequently to be repeated throughout our whole Life Praef. ad Paraph. in Evang. S. Matth. Repraesentatio pristini Baptismi as Erasmus calls it And Whether the solemn Baptizing of all Infants though the Children of presumed Christian Parents throughout this Kingdom Without solemn Astipulation that they shall at Years of Discretion personally ratifie their Vow in Baptism in Publick in such manner as the Church requires be not rather more Lawful than Expedient I leave with all Submission On the Creed l. 10. c. 50. to the Consideration of Higher Powers saith the Learned Pious and Reverend Dr. Jackson 2. This would supercede the new modell'd Examinations set on foot by Private Authority before the Admission of Persons to the Blessed Sacrament of the Lord's Supper whether by Lay-Elders in Conjunction with Presbyters or by Popular Congregations and wholly silence the many fierce and unhappy Feuds and Controversies which have been moved on that occasion 3. It would extreamly quicken and encourage the Endeavors of all that are concern'd among us in the Prae-instruction of Youth and whet the Learners also to a greater Diligence and Industry and prove a mighty Ease and Satisfaction to the Minds of those who have undertaken in their Names at Baptism 4. It would very much conduce to the recommending and endearing of God's Ministers the Bishops of the Church to the Affections of the People by and from whom they and theirs partake of so great a benefit so as to oblige them if any thing can do it never to lift up their Hand or so much as open their Mouth against them never to return them Evil for Good and requite their Blessings with Curses and Reproaches 5. It would highly promote the Truth and Power of Godliness and Religion so much talk'd of It would bring good Instructions to some hopeful Effect and Issue and put every Sinner among us who is not also past Shame to blush and hang down the Head upon the remembrance of that good Confession which he himself had so openly made before many Witnesses See Dr. Patrick 's excellent and affectionate Exhortation unto Confirmation Aqua Genitalis Use 4. and the Appendix and yet so notoriously violated and contradicted With what Face could he devote himself to Atheism and Impiety who before God and his Elect Angels the Bishop and an Assembly of Christians hath personally vowed and promised the Belief of the Christian Faith and Obedience unto all God's Holy Commandments And with such a grave Solemnity renounced the Devil and all his Works c. He hath the Argument of Common Justice and Honesty from henceforth admonishing of him continually to be as good as his Word to take heed of the crying Sin of Perjury such an aggravated Perjury especially as this is a Sacrilegious Perjury He hath many to rise up in Judgment against him upon Transgression He hath such-like Thoughts as these to accompany him wherever he goes that if he fails in this vowed Duty he must at last witness against himself be condemned out of his own Mouth and left without an Apology and if he shall presume to live in a Course contradictory to this Holy Profession he can expect nothing but that cursed Doom which with